A TEENAGER who died of a suspected drug overdose at a rave in Hayes is being laid to rest today (Tuesday).

The funeral of Daniel Spargo-Mabbs is being held in Croydon in south London, his hometown, this afternoon.

Daniel, 16, was found unconscious at a party being held at a disused industrial estate in Silverdale Road, off Pump Lane, Hayes, in the early hours of Saturday, January 18.

He was believed to be suffering from the effects of a drugs overdose, and died two days later at Kings College Hospital.

Today, Daniel's family paid their tributes to a "funny, passionate, caring and charming" boy, who had aspirations to join the army and then become a teacher.

“Emerging as he was as an adult, it was very exciting to see the potential he was displaying for the person we knew he could have become. He engaged everyone he met, and those of us who lived with him have had our lives enriched by his presence in them.

"Whilst deeply regretting the years that no longer lie ahead, we can all take comfort from the sixteen years in which he grasped every opportunity to experience as much of life as he could."

The funeral cortege will pass Archbishop Tenison School in Croydon, which he attended, before a private burial and a thanksgiving service.